Kenneth Palmer, a former mayor for Solvang, was remembered Monday night as a longtime champion of the Danish-themed city.
He died May 16 at age 98.
On Monday night, Mayor Charlie Uhrig announced that he would adjourn the meeting in honor of Palmer.
“He will be missed,” Uhrig said before presenting a certificate of appreciation to Palmer’s family.
Palmer served as mayor in 1993, 2002 and 2007 — during a period that the job of wielding the gavel was rotated among council members.
He served on the City Council in the 1990s and again from 2000 to 2012, when he chose not to run for re-election. That year, he was named the grand marshal for the Julefest Parade.
He also did stints on the Solvang Planning Commission, the Solvang Heritage Association and the Economic Tourism Study Committee.
Jim Richardson, another former mayor who served alongside Palmer on the City Council, said they “didn’t see eye to eye on a lot of subjects.”
“The man knew his business. I watched him the whole time and I learned from him,” Richardson said, choking up with emotion. “I am so honored in what he told me one time. After I was mayor and working with him awhile, he says, ‘You know, you’re not turning out to be a bad mayor at all.’
“I felt that was just the most wonderful thing I heard from the man. I’m sorry to hear of his passing, and I really liked the guy.”
Esther Jacobsen Bates, executive director of the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, also noted Palmer’s role as “a longtime Solvang champion and advocate for the city.”
“He had a big impact in our community and at the museum,” she said. “He will be missed. I hope that you can continue to carry on the legacy that he started.”
A public reception is planned for 2 p.m. June 3 at Sunny Fields Park, 900 Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang. The location is fitting since Palmer played a big role in the city’s acquisition of the land.
“He was very instrumental in getting that designated as a community park,” said Mary Ellen Rio, a former city clerk. “We have lost so much knowledge and history of the city with his passing.”
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Loper Funeral Chapel.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
